Considering "new' 04 R1150GS

[Martin_Hayes]

My dealer has a new 2004 R1150 GS that has been on the floor for quite sometime. As a longtime LT owner and member of this list I value the information gleened from this list. I am trying to decide between 3 bikes. ( I have sold my LT )

#1 2004 R1150GS New but has 440 miles on it.+ Sale Price $10600. I have owned 2 K1200LTs and 1 R1100RT. +This is the bike I want but -service department is backed up 2.5 months, and -when I leave the parking lot I am on a 3 year old bike that has a trade in value of $7700.- BMW Reliablity is issue with me.- Not trying to start a flame but all 3 BMWs I have owned 2 new 1 used had problems. -Also don't know how long this dealer will be in business. I have heard rumors. -If/when this dealer goes under the nearest dealer will be over 300 miles away. -Also can't trade 06 Kawasaki Brute Force in there. ( I know I know the Brute Force was the dumbest thing I have ever bought). -Will have to spend $860 for bags on this bike. +8.9apr fixed. +Insurance $319 year

#2 2006 Suzuki DL1000 V-Strom. +New out of create +current year. +/-Can trade in upside down 4 wheeler in on this and still have+ incentive APR. +Plenty of solid dealers in area for service. +Jap reliability. -Just another jap bike. - -Chain drive. -Will still leave dealer $3000 +/- upside down if trading 4 wheeler.- Still must buy bags, -windshield etc.- Insurance $457 year - -Chain drive yuk

#3 2006 Triumph Tiger. +New,+ 2 dealers with 100 miles,+/- Unknown Triumph reliability,+\- Unknown company stability.+\- Unknown dealer stability, +Purchase price between 9-9500, -No trade on 4 wheeler,- higher APR 13.5, +Comes with bags, +/-Like this bike better than suzuki but less than BMW. - - Chain drive Yuk

This will be my 21st bike purchase in 15 years. I normally keep a stable of 2 or 3 bikes of different purpose. But bills and problems have reduced me to 1 bike. I know is has to be a Dual-sport for my type of riding. I have never had a problem making my mind up but I am stumped this time. Heart wants BMW, Common sense and budget wants V-Strom, Tiger may be good compromise. It will be one of these 3 so please keep opnions to these 3

Thanks again, I need to make decision this week. I know this is a BMW list but over the years I have found the majority of guys on this list to be pretty unbiased. SO let me have it fellas

[kip]

not really knowing the triumph
having talked to a few vstrom people

to me, when you are faced with a gut wrenching decision......particularly on an issue that so touches an area of personal passion as does the motorcycle you are going to ride........when at all possible, i try to go with the the thing that is going to make me the happiest.....

as you walk away from the bike.....looking back at it....as we all often do....which one is going to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling of knowing you have the thing that most moves you......

thats how i tend to make those kinds of decisions.....it sounds like, from the tone of your posts, you want the bmw......

in all liklihood.....(ducking from the flying debris).....the cost of ownership of the bmw will be higher than the vstrom......so.....the real question for you is.....is owning the GS going to give you enough additional satisfaction to warnant the higher cost of ownership.......

if the financial front is a serious concern......i would bet the VStrom is going to be the most economical way to go all the way around.....

but....as you walk away from the bike....glancing back....which bike are you going to be happiest to have ridden in on?

<the triumph is just too much an unknown to me personally to comment on>

[meese]

I know you're looking for a new bike, but have you considered a well cared for used one? Maybe this (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11472) would be a good compromise for half of what you're looking to spend?

[Martin_Hayes]

Rode the Tiger today, cost too much and just not the bike for me. Too soft. Great engine, great trans, not much else. Bags are a joke

I can't get a good APR on used so gonna buy new. Unable to pay cash.

[Martin_Hayes]

Thanks for the help, got the GS.

[ranks]

Congratulations !!